12 Great Things to do on Mackinac Island

1. Take in the Views from the Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is known as the Jewel of the Great Lakes for good reason.  This summer vacation retreat dates back to the 1800s is now a National Historic Landmark as well as one of the world’s top hotels.  The Grand Hotel continues to charm generations with its top-notch hospitality and heritage.  

The Grand Hotel’s big claim to fame is that it served as the setting for the movies, Somewhere in Time and This Time for Keeps.  Today, it offers a variety of events and packages throughout the year for guests of the hotel.  If you visit in the shoulder season you may be able to snag a deal and make it worthwhile to stay here overnight, extending your time on the island. 

You can visit the hotel and explore its grounds as a non-guest for a $12/adult and $6/child fee as of 2025.  One can also golf, dine, and shop at the hotel.  This is great option to see the hotel up close without staying as an overnight guest.

If interested in staying on Mackinac Island other than the Grand Hotel, there are several other places to stay.  It’s not cheap to stay on the island, but there is a range depending on your budget.  If you are looking for truly budget accommodations, consider staying in Mackinaw City.  You can easily catch the ferry to and from the island to spend the day.  St. Ignace (in the Upper Peninsula) also has accommodations, although much more limited in terms of lodging and dining. 

2. Bike the Island

No trip to Mackinac Island is complete without biking the island.  The bike path looks like a regular two-lane road, but remember, no vehicles here! 

The 8-mile loop runs along the outer rim of the island, beginning and ending on Main Street, where several bike rental companies are located. 

The island is fabulous to bike around.  Since you have no vehicular traffic to worry about, it is very safe for the whole family.  Kids can ride their own bikes or ride tandem with a parent, or even in a pull-behind.  We have always rented from Mackinac Island Bike Shop and received great bikes and service from them.  As you exit the ferry dock, take a right and look for their sign. 

Mackinac Island Bike Company is located just feet from the ferry dock, making it a very convenient way to start your day on Mackinac Island!

Once you have our bikes secure, continue biking through the crowds in town and then you will soon have open roads with beautiful views out to Lake Huron. 

Biking through town, at the beginning

As you leave the main part of town, crowds thin out and it’s a pleasant ride

Just minutes from Main Street, the east side of the island has clear turquoise blue water.  The calm, shallow water is very enticing to take a quick swim.  If you visit on a hot summer day, or if freezing cold water doesn’t bother you, be sure to take a dip!  However, beware as these are the Great Lakes!  The water temperature hovers around 59 degrees in the summer months.  In contrast, the west side of the island’s waters are much more rough, deep, and darker blue and not safe for swimming.

The calm east side of the island

Along the way, there are many scenic pull offs so you can check out the beautiful scenery. 

Nearing the end, almost back to Main Street

Near the end of the loop, before you get back to Main Street, there is a playground by the school that is fun for kids.

A must stop while biking, Arch Rock, is next on the list.

3. Take in the Views at Arch Rock

Arch Rock is about 50 feet wide and rises up 146 feet.  One can reach Arch Rock a variety of ways including walking, cycling, and even taking a horse & carriage here. 

When biking, just park your bike and climb up the 270 stairs to see the best views of Arch Rock. 

The stairs to Arch Rock

Formed from limestone, the arch creates a window with a view of the beautiful blue-green water of Lake Huron below.

Arch Rock

This is one of the most popular sites to see on Mackinac Island and makes for a great first stop when biking.

Views of Lake Huron and a bit of the bike path from the top of Arch Rock

4. Have a Taste of Mackinac’s Famous Fudge

A trip to Mackinac Island wouldn’t be complete without tasting some Mackinac Island Fudge!   This ultra-sweet treat became a tradition during summer trips to the island as far back as the 1880s.  A man by the name of Rome Murdick made fudge on marble slabs in his candy store which lended a unique flavor to the concoction.  In doing so, one could watch the fudge making in action, often via large windows, which turned into a show for visitors.

Murdicks Fudge

Fudge remains a big part of the draw to the island.  Sampling the different types is a fun way to find a favorite and will for sure satisfy any sweet tooth. 

Fudge being made

Today, there are 13 different fudge shops on Mackinac Island.  How about picking a piece from multiple stores and having a tasting on the great lawn of Marquette Park?!

5. Visit the Fort

If you visit Fort Mackinac, you will be visiting the oldest building in Michigan! 

Fort Mackinac on the top of the hill

Fort Mackinac takes visitors back to Revolutionary War times when British Soldiers moved Fort Michilimackinac (now known as Mackinaw City) to Mackinac Island.  It changed hands a few more times:  to Americans in 1796, and back to the British in 1812, and finally back to Americans where it remained an active fort until the 1890s.

Fort Mackinac, overlooking Main Street

When visiting the fort keep in mind the majority of the visit will be outdoors.  The fort is accessible with an entrance for wheelchairs located in the back.  

During your visit, expect to engage with costumed interpreters and also witness rifle and canon demonstrations.  There are 14 buildings restored as they would have been back when the fort was active.  

For the most up-to-date visitor’s information click here.

6. Take a Ride in a Horse-Drawn Carriage

Besides walking and cycling, you can hire a horse-drawn carriage to take you around.  If staying at a hotel, the carriages transport guests and their luggage.  You can also hire the carriages as a taxi service to take you from point A to point B.

There are currently two companies that offer horse and carriage rides on Mackinac Island, Gough Carriages and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours.  Both include an informed guide during your tour.  Tours generally last about 1 hour 45 minutes, taking passengers from Main Street to Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac.  

Horse-drawn carriage ride

Jack’s Livery Stable offers drive-your-own-buggy, if that is something you want to try your hand at!  You receive a short lesson and then are off to explore on your own.  

7. Check Out the Secret Garden

On the grounds of the Grand Hotel is a small yet delightful garden absolutely filled to the brim with flowers!  Here is how to reach it:  From the sidewalk on the same side of Cadotte Avenue as the Grand Hotel, take the path that veers off to the left.  When walking on it, look for a white signpost with a garden trowel on it – that is your sign you have reached the Secret Garden.  You will walk through a small thicket of trees and then will see the amazing Secret Garden off to the left!

The Secret Garden

8. Visit the Little Stone Church

Residents and visitors can attend services on Sundays at the Little Stone Church.  Weddings take place here from May to October.  The Little Stone Church is located nearly across from the entrance to the Secret Garden, so it is easy to visit this and the Secret Garden together.

9. Relax at Marquette Park

We like to assemble a picnic with items from Doud’s Market, located on Main Street.  Doud’s has an excellent selection of packaged and fresh foods, perfect for picnicking and has been open since 1884!  When the kids were young, we would take our picnic to Marquette Park, enjoying a lunch before letting the kids burn off energy!

The kids when they were little at Marquette Park

10. Shop for Souvenirs

There is no shortage of souvenir shops on Main Street on Mackinac Island. 

Lots of shopping on Main Street

Here you find apparel, toy stores, plenty of fudge and ice cream shops, as well as art galleries.  The charm of Main Street makes shopping here a fun experience.

11. Visit The Benjamin Blacksmith Shop

Originally built in the 1880s, the blacksmith shop once repaired wheels of carriages and horse shoes.  Today you can still see the blacksmith shop in action daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

12. Enjoy a Great Meal or Afternoon Cocktail

There is no shortage of dining options on Mackinac Island.  Patio dining at the Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois is a lovely spot along the waterfront. 

The Carriage House is a great spot for brunch

We also really like the Gate House, as it is one of the Grand Hotel’s restaurants.

The Gate House

For an afternoon cocktail, consider the Jockey Club, located on a golf course across the street from the Grand Hotel.  And of course, you have to enjoy a drink and appetizer at the Geranium Bar on the Grand Hotel’s Front Porch. 

Food and drink are pricey on top of having to pay a $12/adult visitor’s fee, however this is a great way to relax with incredible views at one of the world’s most iconic hotels.

The front porch of the Grand Hotel